Ulster Bank League: Division 1A Previews

Can Clontarf's Cork brigade power them to another league victory? Can Old Belvedere bounce back from their opening weekend defeat to Young Munster? Find out in our Ulster Bank League Division 1A previews.

Preview: An interesting meeting of two beaten semi-finalists from last season who both won last week. Clontarf were particularly impressive in beating Blackrock College 30-6.

Although Young Munster required a last-minute try to beat Old Belvedere, it was also a very useful victory. Willie Staunton more than made up for the departure of Alan Kingsley to Australia by landing six penalties.

So, this is a stern test for the Clontarf side, dubbed 'Contarf' following the arrival of Frank Cogan and Richie Lane to join their former Cork Con team-mate Evan Ryan. But the Castle Avenue club will still go into the match as favourites to record a second win.

Preview: After all the talk about the loss of many of their top players, Cork Constitution turned in a quality display to see off Lansdowne on the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium first time out.

They remain pretty competitive. Crucially, they are still able to call on the services of one of the best place-kickers around in Gerry Hurley, while Brian O'Hara, a son of former Ireland international Pat, made a big impression in the back row against Lansdowne.

Shannon, no doubt, will provide a sterner test. They did well to edge out Dolphin last week and like Constitution, have a very good kicker in Gareth Quinn McDonogh.

Preview: Both sides are hoping to avoid a second defeat. On the evidence of the opening weekend, Dolphin would seem to be in the better position.

Whereas they lost out narrowly (21-18) to Shannon, Blackrock were well beaten at home by Clontarf. It does appear that Blackrock's new head coach Eric Miller has a tough job on his hands.

He should find out a bit more about his team against a Dolphin outfit that has one of the best half-backs around in Barry Keeshan. His presence and the fact that they are at home suggests a Dolphin victory.

Preview: Two good sides who lost close encounters in the opening week. Holders Old Belvedere will be particularly keen to make up for their last-minute defeat to Young Munster.

They are going to be very hard to beat at Anglesea Road. Although they have lost some players from last season, director of rugby Phil Werahiko still has plenty of talent to call on.

Garryowen probably did not do themselves justice when going under narrowly in difficult conditions at home to St. Mary's College. They have plenty of ability behind the scrum, with Declan Cusack the key figure, and represent dangerous opposition.

Preview: The odds must heavily favour St. Mary's College following their opening away success over Garryowen.

Importantly, they have plenty of experience, an ingredient lacking in a very young Lansdowne outfit. Coach Mike Ruddock, however, believes his team learned a good deal from their opening defeat by Cork Constitution.

Out-half Craig Ronandson's contribution is going to be vital. He started really well against Constitution, kicking three penalties, but subsequently found the going much more difficult.

Looking forward to facing England on Sunday, Ireland winger Tommy Bowe said: "We've trained very well this week, we're really excited about the game. It's about going out there and doing whatever we can to get ourselves that win."

Second row Devin Toner previews Ireland's crunch RBS 6 Nations clash with England, saying: "It's a pretty formidable English pack. Attwood and Kruis have played fantastically well. They're well drilled and focused and their scrum and lineout are very good."

Looking forward to facing England this weekend, Ireland back rower Sean O'Brien said: "It's obviously exciting, but it's one game at a time. I don't think there's any more pressure on us than in the first two games. That's the way you have to look at it."

Irish Rugby TV sat down with Ireland Under-20 scrum coach John Fogarty to talk about the U-20 Six Nations so far and Friday's clash with England at Donnybrook. Tickets are on sale on www.ticketmaster.ie.

Shane Byrne and Malcolm O'Kelly preview the Ireland v England Legends match which takes place at Donnybrook this coming Saturday (kick-off 7.30pm). Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie. All proceeds from the game will go to support the IRFU Charitable Trust and the RFU All Schools Charity.

Watch highlights from the Ireland team announcement press conference as Joe Schmidt reveals the team to play France. Peter O'Mahony says it is good to 'have some big figures back' for Saturday's clash.